&w=3840&q=100)
Russia's new $60-bonus plan to lift birth rate, plans to pay doctors to curb abortions
A city in Russia has offered a bonus to doctors and medical practitioners if they successfully change the minds of pregnant women from aborting, as the country tries to reverse the trend of population decline.
The Russian city of Murmansk, which is located in the Arctic Circle, has sent a memo to doctors offering monetary benefits for discouraging their female patients from undergoing abortions.
A total number of 4,298 babies were born in Murmansk between January and October 2024, a decrease of 286 than the previous year, data from local statistics show.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
The first incentive, totalling 25,000 rubles (approximately $300), is aimed at gynaecologists and obstetricians trained in providing psychological counselling to patients contemplating abortion. To receive the payment, doctors must not only persuade the woman to abandon her plans for an abortion before 12 weeks of pregnancy but also oversee her care through to the delivery of the baby.
Under the proposal, doctors from other specialities and certified counsellors without medical degrees would be awarded bonuses of 5,000 rubles (about $60) for successfully persuading a pregnant woman not to proceed with an abortion.
Murmansk's Governor Andrey Chibis last year called the population decline in his city 'a problem and a challenge for the country as a whole and for Murmansk Region in particular.'
The document sent to medical practitioners says that the proposal has been made 'to prevent termination of pregnancy and increase birth rates in the Murmansk Region.'
Russia is experiencing a significant demographic crisis, marked by a declining population, historically low birth rates, and increasing mortality. According to Rosstat, Russia's population could decrease from approximately 146 million to 138.8 million by 2046 under the baseline forecast, or to 130 million in a more pessimistic scenario.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Economic Times
Cancer cure? Russia commences human trials of revolutionary personalized cancer vaccine
In a landmark advancement for oncology and personalized medicine, Russia's Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology—the creators of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine—announced this year that it will begin human clinical trials of the world's first personalized mRNA-based melanoma vaccine within the next few months. Alexander Gintsburg, director of the Gamaleya Center, confirmed that this groundbreaking vaccine, tailored specifically to the genetic profile of individual patients' tumors, will start experimental administration as early as September-October 2025 in collaboration with leading Russian oncology institutions. Q. What are melanoma cellsA. Melanoma cells come from melanocytes, the skin cells that give it color. When these cells grow too much and become cancerous, they cause melanoma, a dangerous kind of skin cancer that can spread fast if not treated early. Q. What is mRNA, and how is it used in vaccines? A. mRNA, or messenger RNA, is a molecule that carries genetic instructions from DNA to the cell's protein-making machinery. It acts like a messenger, conveying the code needed to build specific proteins that perform various functions in the body. In vaccines, mRNA teaches cells to produce a harmless piece of a virus or cancer antigen, triggering the immune system to respond and protect the body. This novel cancer vaccine is designed to train the immune system to recognize and attack melanoma cells by creating a bespoke mRNA blueprint derived from each patient's unique tumor mutations. The process involves sophisticated artificial intelligence algorithms that analyze the tumor's genetic data to produce a molecular template, which is then synthesized at Gamaleya's production facilities. This tailor-made mRNA encodes proteins that activate a targeted cytotoxic immune response, aiming not only to eradicate primary tumors but also to address metastatic cancer elaborated that the entire vaccine development cycle—from tumor sequencing to vaccine production—can be completed within about one week due to AI-assisted mathematical modeling and neural network computing. This rapid manufacture represents a significant leap compared to typical timelines in personalized cancer therapies. Q. What is a personalized cancer vaccine?A. Personalized cancer vaccine is a tailored immunotherapy designed to train the patient's immune system to recognize and attack their specific cancer cells. It uses information from the patient's tumor genetics to create a unique vaccine that targets tumor-specific mutations, differing from general vaccine model was developed starting in mid-2022 and has already demonstrated promising efficacy in preclinical animal studies, showing the ability to suppress tumor growth and reduce metastasis. The upcoming Phase I clinical trials will take place at two of Russia's foremost oncology centers: the Hertsen Research Institute and the N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology in Moscow. Importantly, this tailored vaccine is part of a wider Russian initiative to advance cancer treatment across various difficult-to-treat types, including pancreatic, kidney, and non-small-cell lung cancers. The Russian Ministry of Health classifies this vaccine development and approval under a new, specialized regulatory process recognizing its individualized nature, differing fundamentally from traditional drug registration. The state plans to provide this cancer vaccine free of charge to Russian citizens, with an estimated production cost of around 300,000 rubles (approx. USD 2,869) per dose covered by government to health authorities, about 4 million Russians live with cancer, and approximately 625,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed annually, underlining the urgent need for innovative therapies. The vaccine's success could mark a pivotal moment in Russia's fight against cancer and elevate its personalized medicine the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines designed to target a single viral antigen, this personalized cancer vaccine encodes multiple neoantigens specific to each patient's tumor, offering a multi-targeted immune approach.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Cancer cure? Russia commences human trials of revolutionary personalized cancer vaccine
In a landmark advancement for oncology and personalized medicine, Russia's Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology—the creators of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine—announced this year that it will begin human clinical trials of the world's first personalized mRNA-based melanoma vaccine within the next few months. Alexander Gintsburg, director of the Gamaleya Center, confirmed that this groundbreaking vaccine, tailored specifically to the genetic profile of individual patients' tumors, will start experimental administration as early as September-October 2025 in collaboration with leading Russian oncology institutions . Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Cybersecurity CXO others Public Policy Healthcare Digital Marketing Degree MBA Artificial Intelligence Others PGDM Data Science Data Analytics Product Management MCA Operations Management Leadership Design Thinking Project Management Finance Management healthcare Technology Data Science Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months MIT xPRO CERT-MIT xPRO PGC in Cybersecurity Starts on undefined Get Details Q. What are melanoma cells by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 most beautiful women in the world Undo A. Melanoma cells come from melanocytes, the skin cells that give it color. When these cells grow too much and become cancerous, they cause melanoma, a dangerous kind of skin cancer that can spread fast if not treated early. Q. What is mRNA, and how is it used in vaccines? A. mRNA, or messenger RNA, is a molecule that carries genetic instructions from DNA to the cell's protein-making machinery. It acts like a messenger, conveying the code needed to build specific proteins that perform various functions in the body. In vaccines, mRNA teaches cells to produce a harmless piece of a virus or cancer antigen, triggering the immune system to respond and protect the body. Live Events This novel cancer vaccine is designed to train the immune system to recognize and attack melanoma cells by creating a bespoke mRNA blueprint derived from each patient's unique tumor mutations. The process involves sophisticated artificial intelligence algorithms that analyze the tumor's genetic data to produce a molecular template, which is then synthesized at Gamaleya's production facilities. This tailor-made mRNA encodes proteins that activate a targeted cytotoxic immune response, aiming not only to eradicate primary tumors but also to address metastatic cancer sites. Gintsburg elaborated that the entire vaccine development cycle—from tumor sequencing to vaccine production—can be completed within about one week due to AI-assisted mathematical modeling and neural network computing. This rapid manufacture represents a significant leap compared to typical timelines in personalized cancer therapies. Q. What is a personalized cancer vaccine? A. Personalized cancer vaccine is a tailored immunotherapy designed to train the patient's immune system to recognize and attack their specific cancer cells. It uses information from the patient's tumor genetics to create a unique vaccine that targets tumor-specific mutations, differing from general vaccines. The vaccine model was developed starting in mid-2022 and has already demonstrated promising efficacy in preclinical animal studies, showing the ability to suppress tumor growth and reduce metastasis. The upcoming Phase I clinical trials will take place at two of Russia's foremost oncology centers: the Hertsen Research Institute and the N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology in Moscow. Importantly, this tailored vaccine is part of a wider Russian initiative to advance cancer treatment across various difficult-to-treat types, including pancreatic, kidney, and non-small-cell lung cancers. The Russian Ministry of Health classifies this vaccine development and approval under a new, specialized regulatory process recognizing its individualized nature, differing fundamentally from traditional drug registration. The state plans to provide this cancer vaccine free of charge to Russian citizens, with an estimated production cost of around 300,000 rubles (approx. USD 2,869) per dose covered by government funding. According to health authorities, about 4 million Russians live with cancer, and approximately 625,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed annually, underlining the urgent need for innovative therapies. The vaccine's success could mark a pivotal moment in Russia's fight against cancer and elevate its personalized medicine program. Unlike the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines designed to target a single viral antigen, this personalized cancer vaccine encodes multiple neoantigens specific to each patient's tumor, offering a multi-targeted immune approach.
News18
4 days ago
- News18
Nagalands identity must be preserved, promoted globally: CM Neiphiu Rio
Kohima, Aug 1 (PTI) Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday called for renewed efforts to safeguard and globally promote Nagaland's distinct identity, protected under Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution. Addressing a special programme titled 'Nagaland's Global Footprints: Cultural Diplomacy and International Engagements' here, Rio emphasised that Nagaland must take pride in its heritage and share its cultural richness with the world. 'This Article is our foundation. It protects our customs, our land, and our traditions. No other state in India has what we do. We must understand its value and use this privilege with purpose," Rio said, referring to Article 371(A), which grants Nagaland special autonomy over its religious, social, and customary practices, as well as land and resources. The event was organised to highlight the outcomes of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio's recent official visits to Russia and Japan from July 10 to 17 along with team of Naga artists and officials from Tourism and Industries department, where Nagaland was invited as one of six Indian states to participate in international cultural engagements facilitated by the Ministry of External Affairs. Rio shared that Nagaland's cultural troupe was specially invited to perform at the Bharat Utsav – Festival of India in Moscow, Russia, where, representing the rich heritage of the state, the performers took part in the concluding segment of the nine-day festival and received appreciation from Russian authorities. Certificates of appreciation issued by the Russian Embassy were formally handed over during the Kohima event. The chief minister noted that the performances helped build awareness and respect for the diverse traditions of Nagaland and the wider Northeast region. He added that engaging in such international events fosters soft diplomacy and opens doors to future cultural, academic, and economic exchanges. In Japan, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Kochi Prefecture for cooperation in key sectors such as human resource development, environmental sustainability, and healthcare. Rio announced that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has already committed to supporting the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research with 400 hospital beds and has offered training and employment opportunities for doctors and nurses from Nagaland in Japan. Rio also recalled the emotional significance of inaugurating the Kohima Peace Memorial in collaboration with the Government of Japan, describing it as a 'monument of reconciliation' that marks a new era of mutual respect and friendship rooted in the memory of World War II. Stressing on the necessity of showcasing Nagaland's identity and traditions on global platforms, the chief minister said, 'We must not only preserve our culture but also present it to the world with confidence". Rio underscored the success of the Hornbill Festival in unifying Nagas and attracting global attention, saying such platforms should be further strengthened. He added that showcasing indigenous crafts, traditions, and cultural performances can create livelihoods and preserve the identity of future generations. 'Our identity, culture, and traditions are not just to be preserved—they are to be shared with the world. Let us globalise the spirit of Nagaland," the chief minister said. Touching upon past injustices, Rio mentioned the presence of Naga human remains, such as skulls, stored in museums in the UK. He said efforts are being made to ensure the dignified return of these remains and to document the true history of the Naga people through collaborative research and museum projects. Rio urged policymakers, institutions, and youth to embrace a broader vision for Nagaland, one that is rooted in heritage but open to the world. 'We must grow bigger, become more visible, and internationalise the Naga identity. 'Made in Nagaland' and 'Naga Crafts' must become global brands," he said. The CM also emphasised the need for partnerships across sectors, including education, healthcare, and sustainable development, noting that international collaborations like those with Japan and Russia can help transform the state's future. Advisor to the CM and Chairman of the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), Abu Metha, who had also accompanied Rio to the two countries, said the visits, facilitated through invitations from the Kochi Prefectural Government in Japan and the Indian Embassy in Russia, mark a strategic step in positioning Nagaland on the global map. Metha said the tour has had a multi-dimensional impact — enhancing institutional cooperation, promoting Brand Nagaland, fostering cultural diplomacy, and creating international opportunities for Naga youth. PTI NBS NBS RG First Published: August 01, 2025, 17:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
